Residential Carbon Monoxide Detection

Carbon Monoxide Can Be DeadlyYou can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned.

If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous.

However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result.

Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars.

Be safe. Practice the DO's and DON'Ts of carbon monoxide.

CO Poisoning Symptoms

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time.

Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

Where Not to Install a CO Alarm
Some locations may interfere with the proper operation of the alarm and may cause false alarms or trouble signals. CO alarms should not be installed in the following locations:

Where the temperature may drop below 40 F or exceed 100 F

Near paint thinner fumes or household cleaning products. Ensure proper ventilation when using these types of chemicals.

Within 5 feet of any cooking or open flame appliances such as furnaces, stoves and fireplaces.

In exhaust streams from gas engines, vents, flues or chimneys.

Do not place in close proximity to an automobile exhaust pipe; this will damage the alarm

Prevent CO Poisoning
Play it safe. If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:

Call 911 or your local emergency number.

Prevent CO Poisoning. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.

Do not re-enter the premises until cleared by emergency personnel.

Go to an emergency room, and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.

Follow These Guidelines to Help Keep Your Family Safer

Install CO alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement. The CO alarm can warn you if too much CO is in your home.

Keep CO alarms clear of dust and debris.

Ensure CO alarms are plugged all the way into a working outlet, or if battery operated, have working batteries.

CO Prevention Do's and Do Not's

DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves - inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.

DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers' instructions.

DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.

DON'T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.

DON'T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.

DON'T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.

DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.